Department of Communication Disorders

Annette Hurley, Ph.D.
Head of the Department

LOCATION: 1900 Gravier Street 9A8
PHONE: (504) 568-4337

The Department of Communication Disorders offers the Master of Communication Disorders (MCD) Degree in Speech-Language Pathology and the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) Degree in Audiology through the Department of Communication Disorders. The Master’s degree in Communication Disorders (M.C.D.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) and the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) education program in Audiology (residential) at LSU Health Sciences Center is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. The accreditation period is from April 2018 through March 2026.

The MCD degree is the entry-level degree for a career in speech-language pathology, whereas the AuD degree is the entry-level degree for a career in audiology. Audiologists diagnose and treat hearing and vestibular problems in children and adults. Clinical activities include counseling and education related to hearing loss; electrophysiological and behavioral testing of hearing; and fitting and programming of hearing aids, cochlear implants, assistive listening devices, and bone-anchored hearing aids. Speech-language pathologists identify and treat children and adults with speech and language problems such as delayed language, fluency, aphasia, voice, and articulation problems. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, schools, universities, industry, governmental agencies, and private practice.

The Department of Communication Disorders is located in a major health science complex in New Orleans. Facilities are modern and well-equipped and include classrooms, clinics, research, and teaching laboratories. The Department is affiliated with numerous hospitals, medical facilities, and educational institutions throughout Louisiana and the nation. The Department maintains an excellent faculty-student ratio. Students have educational and clinical opportunities, including those that are only available in health science centers and metropolitan areas.